OME kit >> breakdown of power steering?

New here, hoping to get some opinions on a recent issue. I bought an '11 Limited doublecab, 130k miles, in August. Not TRD, everything stock. Came w/all service records, looked like the previous owner took great care of it.

Last month took it in and had the Old Man Emu kit put on. Drove it directly from the shop to get new tires (Nothing crazy – 32" Toyo Open Country A/T II)

After picking it up I started hearing a noise when making tight corners and thought the tires were tipping the skid plate. Was planning to trim it but hadn't gotten around to it... could avoid by not turning super tight.

Last week I made a tight turn and the power steering died on me. Popped the hood – no power steering fluid, but also no obvious catastrophic leak. Put new fluid in and it sucked up 2.5 bottles before exploding everywhere down by the front passenger wheel. Towed it to the shop where it's getting a whole new steering rack.

I realize now that the noisy corners should have been an indicator but I don't have a ton of experience here.

What I'm wondering is – is it possible that the OME kit changed something that put extra pressure on the steering system? I want to make sure I'm not setting myself up to see this issue again by failing to fix the root cause.

 

Anything is possible but I highly doubt the OME kit caused your problem.

which kit did you go with? I Have the 612 kit. Lots of folks here have run OME with no issues

 

It's listed on the website as "SPORT KIT LIGHT 2.5IN 2007-PRESENT 5.7L TUNDRA" – does that answer your question? I have an OME kit on an '09 Taco and it's been fantastic for the last 3 years... that's why I chose it for the Tundra!

That's interesting. Anything I need to do to prevent/alleviate stress on the rack? I don't think I actually need any chopping... upon further evaluation I don't believe the tires are actually rubbing on anything.

 

no need to get offended at my question. Was just wondering what kit you went with that’s all

good luck

 

Oh no – definitely not offended in any way and did not mean to come off that way. I don't have a lot of experience with this stuff – the way you named your kit (612) wasn't familiar to me so I just copy/pasted the name I see on their site.

I am really hoping that this is just a coincidence with bad timing... really don't want to have to do a bunch of extra work to make OME play nice with the steering rack. I really do appreciate you weighing in, apologies for the miscommunication.

 

I think it is what you said above. I have ran OME on 5 or six vehicles. Still running OME. I agree with what @T-Rex266 said.